SUMMER 2025 THE HADRA NEWS
District Residents’ Association
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Another year has gone by and Planning still seems to be the biggest issue in our area.
The subject of Purley Pool was resolved at the Planning Committee on the 27th February. At the meeting, every Councillor had reservations about the build with parking being the main issue, but it was approved with 8 voting for and 2 abstentions. Once the S106 agreement has been reached, the application will be passed to the GLA for final approval. Thank you to Phil Thomas of Riddlesdown RA for all his input and also the contributions from all of the other RAs who were opposed to the application in its present form. Our own Diane Hearne spoke against the application at the planning meeting on behalf of the seven local RA’s. We now await the outcome from the GLA as the Mayor can call the application in for review. One of our main concerns is the lack of planning enforcement. We have a couple of issues that have been carrying on for a long time, with the council not acting strongly enough to resolve them. Enforcement should be taken to the next level when there is non-compliance, which is:
● prosecution of the parties concerned in the local courts - depending upon the availability, nature and strength of evidence,
● issuing an injunction through the high court.
It would be much better if the council was to act immediately rather than allowing retrospective planning applications where the applicant had not complied with the agreed consent or had not even applied for planning permission. As a committee, we feel that if they were to take action and advertise the fact, it would force developers and householders to stick to the rules.
Our committee is once again up to full complement with thanks to Michelle Parmenter and Sevgin Djemil for volunteering.
The application for the Medical Centre at the old CALAT Site has now been granted - you can read more about this in our article on page 7.
I would very much like to see more residents joining our social media platforms. We have Facebook, E-Blast and WhatsApp. You can join all three by going onto our website hadra.org where you will find the various links. An example of the benefit of joining WhatsApp is shared in the article on page 2. It also provides a good method of communication with other residents, including up-todate reports on what is going on in our area.
Please note the date and time of our 2025 AGM, which this year is to be held at the Old Coulsdon Retirement Centre on 4th June. The AGM begins at 8 pm but there will be refreshments from 7 pm.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to our secretary Elaine Clark for her support over the year and to all the committee members who are doing a great job and, remember they are all volunteers.
John Clarke Chairman
HADRA AGM 4TH JUNE 2025
Old Coulsdon Centre for the Retired
Refreshments to be served from 7pm. AGM starting at 8pm. We are expecting our local Ward Councillors including Cllr Ola Kolade, Croydon Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cllr Samir Dwesar, “A night out with the Safer Neighbourhood Team”.
Residents are reminded that the easiest way to pay the £5 subscription* is to set up an annual standing order. Please note the bank details below:
Account name: HADRA
Sort Code: 23 05 80 (Metro Bank)
Account number: 41022558
Please quote your postcode and flat/house number in the reference. You can if you need use the same details for a one-off payment. Alternatively cash and cheques made payable to HADRA can be delivered to our Membership Secretary at: 36 Byron Avenue, Coulsdon, CR5 2JR, please remember to include your name and address with this.
If residents need to contact the association, they can
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
The number of households paying the annual subscription remains low. The production, each year, of the two Newsletters would not be possible without the revenue that the membership fees generate. If you enjoy reading these then I would encourage you to pay the £5.00 HADRA subscription, using the details on page 1.
In addition to the newsletters, you can keep up to date with what is happening in the area by visiting our website, www.hadra.org or subscribing to the regular E-Blasts. If you would like to receive the E-Blast, please e-mail your name and address to chair@hadra.org and ask to be included in these updates.
As usual, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our community of road stewards, without whom we could not deliver the bi-annual newsletters across our area.
Unfortunately, we currently have the following roads not covered by a road steward: -
Hillars Heath Road
Asmar Close
Petersfield Crescent
Coulsdon Road (1-58 and 60-122)
Stoats Nest Village
Hartley Farm
Burcott Road
Old Lodge Lane (1-53a)
There are usually only two deliveries per year and the time it takes depends on the number of houses to which you deliver. Please get in touch if you would like to volunteer as a road steward.
Jackie Fowler Membership Secretary
HADRA RESIDENTS’ COMMUNICATION
We have a facebook page, a WhatsApp group and we send regular emails (E-Blasts) to keep you informed and up to date with what’s happening in our area. Please use the QR codes below to to sign up to these.
One example of how helpful these groups can be; someone had their car broken into and valuables were stolen but strangely there was something left in the car that did not belong to them. By posting on our WhatsApp group, within an hour, someone realised that the additional item had been stolen from their car and they were able to retrieve it from the original poster! These groups can be really useful and we would encourage you to sign up.
POT HOLES AND ROAD MAINTENANCE
If you have any concerns about a pot hole or road maintenance do report these on the Love Clean Streets app.
More information on the Croydon website: Report a problem through Love Clean Streets | Croydon Council
Apple/iOS https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/love-cleanstreets/id514610587
Google/Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.organise.lcs&hl=en_GB
Details on how to use the app: https://www.youtube.com/ shorts/nmggM8hu7Vc
Just to note that Hartley Hill will have some resurfacing in the next financial year and residents will be notified during the month before.
CROYDON SOUTH WEST LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Meeting Thursday 5th June 2025 18:00
You are warmly invited to join your Local Community Partnership in Croydon South West (which includes the Purley, Woodcote, Riddlesdown, Purley Oaks, Sanderstead, Kenley, Coulsdon & Old Coulsdon communities)
The LCP Co Chairs Patty Boyle and Ben Taylor along with Sarah Burns, Director of Communities for Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) and Andrew Slegg, Community Led Support for Croydon Council are seeking your involvement in shaping the future of your area.
This locality-based event will be focusing on:
• Developing the detail within our Community Plan to achieve the outcomes identified by the Local Community Partnership
• Establishing smaller, task-related Action Groups that use local knowledge and expertise to achieve real change
• Turning words into action
The strength and effectiveness of each Local Community Partnership is totally dependent on how inclusive and representative the group is. So, active citizens, voluntary and community sector organisations, Council, Health workers, police, schools etc are all strongly encouraged to attend.
Venue: Tollers Community Centre, 23 Jutland Gardens, 51 Goodenough way, Old Coulsdon CR5 1DW
We will be in the Youth Centre at this site.
We look forward to seeing you.
Tickets available (for free) online: Local Community Partnerships – Croydon South-West Tickets, Thu 5 Jun 2025 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
Please note the new location and be sure to register beforehand as registration is mandatory. Registration beforehand saves queuing at the door and means the event can start on time.
For more information contact: Chloe at Chloe.Smith@ cvalive.org.uk
COULSDON MEMORIAL GROUND
This area has a number of different names including Marlpit Lane park or Coulsdon Memorial park. This is a very local and lovely park with a toddler/junior playground, a play area for older children and adult exercise equipment. The path uphill leads to tennis and basketball courts, adult exercise equipment and toilets. There is even a fantastic pitch and putt golf course and bowls green that is maintained and run by Friends of Marlpit Lane Bowling Green (see below). This is now open again for all ages for a small charge but is great fun! They only take cash payments, and this is completely run by volunteers.
Free Parking is available around the side just off Marlpit lane and there are a few spaces up the hill off Nineacres Way.
Across the road is Chaldon Way Gardens, a small ornamental garden in the area between Marlpit Lane and Chaldon Way. The Memorial stands further up the grounds to help us remember the fallen in both World Wars. There is also Poppy Cafe which is open during the day and also provides take-away Thai food into the evening. https:// www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035059971935
FROM OUR REPRESENTATIVES
UPDATES FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS
Old Coulsdon
Cllr Margaret Bird , margaret.bird@croydon.gov.uk and Cllr Nikhil Sherine Thampi nikhil.sherinethampi1@croydon.gov.uk
The Old Coulsdon ward that is part of HADRA reaches from Petersfield Crescent south side, Byron Avenue, to Coulsdon Court Road and we are always happy to help.
Bradmore Green Library was sadly closed in favour of allowing Coulsdon Town, the larger library, to be operational 5 days a week. We are still waiting to hear who will be taking on the Bradmore Green library building.
Old Coulsdon are remembering VE day, 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, in a number of ways. On Thursday 8th May, at 8.30pm, there will be a lamp light procession of peace around Grange Park, with a marching band and bagpipes. We look forward to seeing many of you there – and please bring your own torch!
On Sunday 11th May, there will be a Remembrance Service at the War Memorial on Coulsdon Road outside Grange Park. All are welcome. There will also be an exhibition of remembrance, which is being held at St John’s Church on Canons Hill on Wednesday 8th May (2-4pm), Thursday 8th May (2-5pm) and Friday 9th May (2-4pm).
Finally, on Saturday 12th July, we’re looking forward to the Annual Rotary Old Coulsdon Village Fair, hopefully we will have good weather!
Purley & Woodcote’s Cllr Samir Dwesar
I love being a ward councillor and have really enjoyed working with HADRA. Over the last few months, together, we have met with Trees for Streets to discuss greater provision of trees locally, undertaken a site visit with Council officers covering street cleaning and highways maintenance and liaised on planning applications and planning enforcement cases.
The Planning Committee’s recent decision to approve the application for a new leisure centre and integrated retirement community in Purley is very much welcomed. Whilst, I would have liked more parking, I felt that on balance this application provided an opportunity to regenerate a very derelict site.
Both Purley and Coulsdon Libraries are now open five days a week (with Purley closed on Mondays and Sundays and Coulsdon closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays). I very much hope this will lead to a better offer for all our residents.
Congratulations are owed to Purley in Bloom, who have been invited to participate in the Britain in Bloom competition. They have done a tremendous job at making Purley a more attractive and enticing place, and I wish
them every success for this competition.
It’s also fantastic to see Purley receive funding from Mayor Perry via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with projects, in collaboration with the Purley Business Improvement District, including new public art, lighting and green space improvements.
If I can ever be of any assistance, please do email me at samir.dwesar@croydon.gov.uk or my ward colleagues, Simon Brew simon.brew@croydon.gov.uk and Holly Ramsey holly.ramsey@croydon.gov.uk. The HADRA area also covers Old Coulsdon, Coulsdon Town and Kenley wards and has ten ward councillors. All our details are included in the useful numbers section of this newsletter on pages 10-11.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE POLLING STATIONS
There is currently a review taking place for all polling stations in Croydon. Proposed changes that affect the HADRA area:
- Electors in Hartley Down, Hartley Farm, Hartley Hill, Hartley Old Road, Hartley Way and Stoats Nest Road will be moved from PWC6 to PWC5. If you live here, you will vote at Beaumont Primary School rather than the Dorothy Mortby Centre.
- Bradmore Green Library, currently the polling place for OCN1 is closing. The Council are trying to find community groups to run the library building. It is intended that a clause will be included in the lease so that the building has to be made available as a polling place.
- On this basis no changes to the current arrangements for OCN1 are proposed. An alternative to Bradmore Green Library is being sought if circumstances change and the library building is no longer available for use. If this necessitated a re-drawing of polling district boundaries, a further limited review of arrangements in Old Coulsdon ward could take place later in 2025 in advance of the local elections in May 2026. The consultation period has closed and we await the outcome of this.
FROM OUR MP
UPDATE FROM OUR MP, CHRIS PHILP
I have fantastic news to share after some tireless work alongside local Residents’ Associations and councillors from Purley and Woodcote, Kenley, Coulsdon Town and Old Coulsdon wards.
Firstly, our new Coulsdon Banking Hub has opened at 152 Brighton Road, with frontage on Chipstead Valley Road, behind Park & Bailey estate agents and opposite Tesco Express. Whoever you bank with, you will be able to drop in Monday to Friday, 9-5, for the vast majority of your banking needs. A different bank will also be available each day of the week, on rotation, to talk face-to-face to your own bank or building society about more complex enquiries (private meeting room available too). All five offer walk-in appointments, so you do not need an appointment.
Monday – HSBC; Tuesday – Santander; Wednesday – Barclays; Thursday – Natwest; Friday – (Lloyds available on Fridays from 9 May).
Secondly, we now have formal and final confirmation from the NHS that our new Medical Centre is going ahead – as well as planning application approval from Croydon Council. This will be a much-needed NHS facility, on the Malcolm Road site of the former CALAT building, providing over 35,000 additional GP appointments to residents in the south of our borough.
Our new centre will have five treatment rooms, parking, and pedestrian access from both Chipstead Valley Road and Woodcote Grove Road. This builds on last year’s expansion of services at Purley Hospital – with new Community Diagnostic Centre and minor elective surgery facilities now open – on top of extended opening hours at the Purley GP Hub.
Finally, I’ve been campaigning to build a new pool for Purley too. I’m delighted to share that Croydon Council’s planning committee has recently voted to approve the planning application. This is a vital step on the road to getting a new pool for Purley, which is why I went along and spoke in favour of the application. Thank you to everyone who signed my petition, which was reported in the planning documents and referenced in my speech. The next step is for the Mayor of London to approve this vital scheme for our local area. I’ll keep you updated as this project continues to progress.
I’ve also been assisting residents with a wide range of issues; there is always plenty to do. If there is ever anything I can do to be of assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch via: chris.philp.mp@parliament.uk.
Chris Philp Member of Parliament for Croydon South
OLD COULSDON MEDICAL PRACTICE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM
The Practice has changed its appointment booking system. Please use the following link to our website for instructions on how to use the new system.
If you do not have a smartphone, computer or similar device you can still call the practice who will complete the forms for you.
Please Note: you can no longer book an appointment directly by phone.
LOCAL INFORMATION & NEWS
PURLEY POOL
Despite a huge number of public objections (1,710 objecting and 544 supporting over two public consultations), plus the objection of 7 local Residents’ Associations (RAs), the application for the new Purley Pool and gym, 220 later living flats and a 78-space car park was approved by the Planning Committee. This will be built on the current site of the multi storey car park, closed leisure centre and the old Sainsburys store.
The Planning Officer stated in the report that the recommendation to grant approval was finely balanced and there were a number of aspects the Planners were not entirely happy with, but nevertheless the ten Committee Members voted it through by a majority of 8 votes and 2 abstentions.
There will be 78 parking spaces in total, including 4 disabled spaces for the retirement flats, leaving 74 for public use, which hopefully will not change in the future.
Whilst we are all very much in favour of a new leisure centre for Purley, we are concerned about the impact the lack of public parking will have on the viability of the town centre. Additionally, due to the height and massing of the buildings, there will be a negative impact on some of the neighbouring properties, some of which are residential. It also does not comply with the current Croydon Local Plan 2018, particularly in relation to the height of the new buildings.
The decision is still subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement between the applicant Polaska and the Council and it will then need the approval of the GLA (the London Mayor).
Planning permission has also been granted for the redevelopment of the railway car park in Purley, which is also on Whytecliffe Road South. It is possible that both schemes will be built at the same time causing significant parking disruption in Purley until completion of the work, maybe 3 to 4 years.
The loss of these two major car parks could have a serious impact on the town both during and after the developments are completed. The significantly reduced level of public car parking available will make it difficult for people to easily access the businesses and services they rely on in Purley.
LOCAL INFORMATION & NEWS
COULSDON MEDICAL CENTRE
Working closely with NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and their partners at Croydon Council, the NHS have now received formal approval of their plans for a new health centre in Coulsdon. The local Residents’ Associations (RAs) in the Coulsdon area have also been heavily involved in the process.
Due to increased costs and reduced funding, the centre will be only one storey but there is the capacity to expand either sideways or upwards in the future. Only one existing GP practice will operate at the centre but the plan is that there will be additional GPs so the availability of care in the area is increased.
The NHS will now procure both a construction partner and launch an expression of interest for the GP partner that will operate from the new site. The aim is for building works to start from July 2025.
The delivery of Coulsdon Medical Centre has been an ambition for Croydon’s NHS for several years. They are delighted that, despite a number of challenges, they are moving closer to their goals of improving primary care access, providing care closer to home and ultimately reducing the number of local residents having to travel out of borough for their appointments.
Using feedback on the building design, an additional face to face consulting room has been included within the footprint of the site, offering the opportunity for even greater capacity than first expected.
Matthew Kershaw, CEO of NHS Croydon thanked the local RAs and the residents of Coulsdon for our support.
UPDATES TO GRANGE PARK, OLD COULSDON
The Friends of Grange Park, with some support by Croydon Council, installed a path around the perimeter of the Park. This has been an amazing addition to support those in wheelchairs, parents with buggies and children learning to ride bikes and we are sure it has brought more people to the park. Now The Friends are hoping to attract even more people following the installation of a Table Tennis table over the Winter. There are bats and balls in a box kept by the tables near Pistachios café during their opening hours. Enjoy!
Croydon Council have repaired and replaced the planter in the middle of the quiet space in the playground and the Friends of Grange Park hope to include some shrubs and flowers over Spring.
To find out more join the Friends of Grange Park facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Friendsofgrangeparkoldcoulsdon/?locale=en_GB
BOTTLE TOPS BECOME ATTACHED
Have you wondered why the caps on single use plastic bottles now remain attached when you unscrew them? This results from a European Directive (EU) 2019/904 that came into force in July 2024, requiring that all single-use plastic bottles have caps that remain attached. The reason for this is to reduce plastic waste as far too many bottle caps are discarded and don’t get recycled in comparison to the plastic bottles. There is plenty of evidence to be seen on the streets of Coulsdon to know this is true.
Although the Directive does not apply to the UK, most of the bottle manufacturers have decided that it is simpler to comply with the directive rather than set up two different production lines
In most of Europe milk is UHT treated and is sold in tetra paks rather than in plastic bottles which must comply with the directive. In the UK Morrisons are now using tetra paks for fresh milk. Plastic milk bottles in the UK do not comply with the EU 1019/904, however, most of the milk sold in supermarkets have replaced the previous blue, green and red bottle tops with clear plastic tops. The reason for this is the coloured tops were made from a different grade of hard plastic which had to be recycled separately from the bottles. The new tops are of the same material as the bottles so can be recycled together.
BANKING HUB
Charles King
With the closure of some banks over the last few years in Coulsdon we are really happy that there is now a Banking Hub in Coulsdon Town Centre. This is the result of lots of work from the local residents’ associations in the Coulsdon area assisted by the local councillors. There will be staff from different banks and building societies on different days which you can see from the article by Chris Philp MP. It will be open every week day 9am5pm. This overall service is operated by the Post Office. www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/coulsdon-croydon/
Location: 152 Brighton Road, Coulsdon Entry from Chipstead Valley Road and behind Park & Bailey estate agents with Tesco Express opposite. https://maps.app.goo.gl/L5XQj9oL8WBW1aco6?g_st=aw
We hope this will help our local residents with their banking needs from a face-to-face service.
LOCAL INFORMATION & NEWS
LOCAL LIBRARY CHANGES
As you may remember, Croydon Council completed a consultation last year on the usage of the libraries. Many of us were told in local meetings and from an independent report into usage, that Croydon residents were not visiting or using their libraries much with only 10% of residents using them in total.
Many put forward valid arguments about the change of opening times and reduced days, which meant it was complicated to understand when your library was open. Of course, with less days, that means less time to visit, so the number of people using the libraries would likely decrease.
It was proposed to close four libraries as a result of their independent report: Sanderstead, Broad Green, Bradmore Green and Shirley and instead utilise staff and resources in the 9 libraries that would remain open, which in turn would mean they could open longer hours and more days. The Mayor used his executive powers to overturn the report from the consultation which shared that over 90% of consultation participants did not want some libraries to close even if it would mean extending the opening hours for others. Throughout, local residents were told this was not a cost-cutting exercise, however, we currently have four closed library buildings awaiting decisions on their future use in the local communities affected.
As a result of the consultation, Bradmore Green Library closed as a council-run library on 9th November 2024. It seems that the bulk of the books have been removed and the Council received a fair amount of interest from potential community partners to operate Bradmore Green Library as a community base. The Council is still deciding on which partner to work with and we hope that there will be some availability for the local community to use this facility.
If you were part of a group who used this library and you need support to relocate and have yet to contact the Council, please reach out to libraries@croydon.gov.uk.
All library accounts have been transferred automatically to the closest library, which is either Purley or Coulsdon for HADRA residents.
We remind you of the free shuttle bus service which will run every Monday from Bradmore Green as follows:
* Departing from Bradmore Way, outside the library building, at 10.30am. Return journey departing from Coulsdon Library at 12pm.
The outreach events programme and offer will continue to be developed with a full programme scheduled to be launched in April 2025.
The Home Library Service is available for all residents who are unable to visit their local library. To find out more please contact -: Telephone: 020 7884 5158. Email: homelibraryservice@croydon.gov.uk
Local opening times of Croydon libraries.
- Coulsdon Library 10am-6pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday. coulsdonlibrary@croydon.gov.uk
Thursday at 11am for Storytime for children under 5
- Purley Library is now open Tuesday-Fridays from 10am-6pm and on Saturdays from 9am-5pm purleylibrary@croydon.gov.uk
For more information, visit: libraries@croydon.gov.uk.
Also, Tollers Community Centre at 51 Goodenough Way, Coulsdon, CR5 1BT now hosts a Stay and Play on Wednesdays 9:30-11am. Timetable at communityattollers. co.uk/timetable. One is also held at Bryon Children’s Centre on Fridays 9:30-11am.
If you would like to know more about the future of our libraries in Croydon there is a report called Croydon Libraries the 10 year library plan available online www. croydon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Library%20Plan%20 2019%20-%202028.pdf. It includes how the council will develop the core library services to build “vibrant community and cultural hubs” set around some core principles of informing communities with books and services, involving communities through volunteering opportunities and inspiring people through the information and opportunities available to them, increasing the usage of the libraries and devices and attracting young people and those of working age who are traditionally less likely to use libraries.
There are also Surrey libraries which are within reach of many residents of Old Coulsdon due to their location on county borders. These include;
- Caterham Valley library which opens Tuesday to Saturday 9:30-5pm. www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/yourlibrary/find-your-nearest/caterham-valley Pebble rhyme time is Every Friday at 10:30 and Storytime is the first Saturday of the month at 11:30-12 noon which is a free event for under 5s. Lego club on Friday 3pm-4:30pm cost £1 per person.
- Caterham on the Hill library which opens Monday 2pm5pm and Thursday and Friday 10am until 1pm and then 2pm until 5pm and Saturday 10am until 4pm. Similar to above but Pebble rhyme time is on Tuesdays followed by stay and play and 2 sessions of Lego clubs a week and Children’s code clubs too. www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/ your-library/find-your-nearest/caterham-hill
SOUTH EAST CANCER HELP CENTRE
The South East Cancer Help Centre in Purley welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. The wonderful support given by their volunteers plays a valuable part in the services and groups SECHC is able to provide.
There are many different volunteer roles at the Centre. Most roles require the volunteer making a commitment to a regular day and time, but some roles require help on a flexible or intermittent basis.
There are also lots of ways to support SECHC’s fundraising team. Perhaps you could spend a couple of hours a month co-ordinating the delivery of community collection boxes, or just lend a hand selling and folding raffle tickets at one of the Centre’s events? Learn more on the Centre’s website:- www.sechc.org.uk/about-us/ volunteers and www.sechc.org.uk/support-us/370-become-a-fundraising-volunteer
SCHOOL UNIFORM APPEAL
Reedham Children’s Trust is running its annual School Uniform Appeal to support vulnerable children in Croydon. Many families struggle to afford full uniforms and essentials, impacting children’s confidence and ability to engage in school life.
We aim to provide:
- School uniforms (Croydon schools only)
- Coats & school shoes
- PE kits & plimsolls
We are also fundraising for:
- Hardship fund – covering travel cards and school-related costs
- Food vouchers – helping families access fresh food and breakfast essentials
Please support this campaign by scanning the QR code or donating online: reedhamchildrenstrust.org.uk/support-a-reedham-child
USEFUL NUMBERS
HADRA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman
– John Clarke
Email: chair@hadra.org Phone: 020 8660 0845
Treasurer – Sharon Napper
Email: treasurer@hadra.org Phone: 07506 608582
Secretary – Elaine Clark
Email: secretary@hadra.org Phone: 020 8660 9927
Membership Secretary – Jackie Fowler
Email: membership@hadra.org Phone: 020 8241 4267
Planning Representative – Colin Etheridge
Email: planning@hadra.org Phone: 020 8668 3707
Transport & Environmental Representative – Vacant
Health Representative
– Rita Lewis Phone: 020 8668 5520
Committee Members
– Diane Hearne Phone: 07803 604487
– Josephine Hullay Phone: 020 8660 0845
– Michelle Parmenter Email: mpcomms.hadra.org
– Sevgin Djemil Email: ssdcomms.hadra.org
LIST OF WARD COUNCILLORS
Kenley
Ola Kolade
Ola.Kolade@croydon. gov.uk
Gayle Gander gayle.gander@croydon. gov.uk
Coulsdon Town
Mario Creatura mario.creatura@croydon.gov.uk
Ian Parker
Ian.Parker@croydon.gov. uk
Luke Shortland
Luke.Shortland@croydon.gov.uk
Old Coulsdon
Margaret Bird margaret.bird@croydon.gov.uk
Nikhil Sherine Thampi nikhil.sherinethampi@ croydon.gov.uk
Purley & Woodcote
Simon Brew simon.brew@croydon. gov.uk
Samir Dwesar samir.dwesar@croydon. gov.uk
Holly Ramsey
holly.ramsey@croydon. gov.uk
Visit www.croydon.gov.uk for a full list of councillors.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
To find out how to pay your £5 subscription to HADRA please see page 1.
The HADRA Committee would like to thank neighbours who give up their time in their work as road stewards. Please see below list for names and vacancies. If you are interested in filling one of the vacancies, do please get in touch with the Membership Secretary.
ROAD STEWARDS
If you are interested in helping out the HADRA Committee by becoming a steward for your road, please get in touch with a member of the HADRA committee (contact details on page 10).
Road Road Steward
Hillars Heath Road, All 1-36 VACANT
Asmar Close, All VACANT
Petersfield Crescent, All 1-17 VACANT
Byron Avenue, Evens 4-64 John Peachey Byron Avenue, Odds 1-67 Laura Briggs
Cearn Way, All 1-18 Frankie Deane
Coulsdon Court Road, All 1-30 Kim Clerkin
Coulsdon Rd, Lower end 1, 3, & 2-58 VACANT
Coulsdon Rd, Evens 60 – 122 VACANT
Stoats Nest Road All 1a-83 Lynda Lawrence
Stoats Nest Village, 1-30 VACANT
Stoats Nest Village, 31-62 VACANT
Hartley Down, Evens 2-102 Andrew Dunlop
Hartley Down, Odds 1-107 Helen Ali
Hartley Farm 1-5 VACANT
Hartley Way, 1-31 John Wills
Hartley Old Road, Odds 1-69 Jenny Strong
Hartley Old Road, Evens 2-70 Jenny Strong
Hartley Hill, Evens 2a-58 John Wills
Hartley Hill, Odds 1-75 John Wills
Old Lodge Lane, Evens 2-58 Sharon Smith
Old Lodge Lane, Odds 1-53a VACANT
Old Lodge Lane, Odds 55 -115 Sharon Smith
Old Lodge Lane, Evens 60-116 Valerie Woodley
Bencombe Road, All 1-37 Susan Bentley
Burcott Road, All 1-37 VACANT
Haydn Avenue Odds 1-35 Susan Quaintance
Haydn Avenue Evens 2-54b Rebecca Simpson
Higher Drive Colin and Sue Wright
The Road Steward Liaison Officer position is to organise the distribution of our biannual newsletter to our Road Stewards. If you are interested in this role, please contact our Chairman.
POLICE & CRIME
Please find below some useful contacts:
Emergency Tel: 999
Non Urgent Tel: 101
Old Coulsdon SNT
Email: OldCoulsdon.SNT@met.police.uk
Kenley SNT
Email: Kenley.SNT@met.police.uk
Coulsdon Town SNT
Email: CoulsdonTown.SNT@met.police.uk
Purley & Woodcote SNT
Email: PurleyandWoodcote.SNT@met.police.uk
London Borough of Croydon
Tel: 020 8726 6000
Council Trading Standards / Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Tel: 0808 223 1133
Email: trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk
Council Antisocial Behaviour
Tel: 020 8726 6000 | Email: ASBTeam@croydon.gov.uk
REPORTING CRIME
We see many reports of crime on social media such as Facebook and Nextdoor but the Police don’t monitor these sites so please make sure you also report crimes. This can be done either online or by telephone call to 101.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report anything at crimestoppers-uk.org. 101 is for a non-emergency situation; if a crime is taking place or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.
KEEP UP TO DATE
The HADRA website, at www.hadra.org has lots of information including Police, Planning, Local History, Health and Frequently Asked Questions.
Residents are also invited to join our Facebook group, WhatsApp group and sign up for our monthly eBlast. The eBlast contains details of local events and any urgent issues in the area. You’ll find links to each of these on the homepage of the website.
If you have any problems with the website, please email action@hadra.org for support.
Websites, Design & Marketing
From adhoc support to complete management and delivery of all your marketing and communication needs - websites, design, socials.
Find out more at www.smarterreach.co.uk/commercial
RULES FOR DOG OWNERS
If you take your dog onto a public road, please ensure it is kept on a leash at all times.
Please clean up after your dog. If there isn’t a bin, take it home. If you don’t do this, you could be fined up to £1,000.
DONATE YOUR OLD TECH
Clear Community Web can take your old tech, wiping all data for your peace of mind.
Donated items can occasionally be fixed or refurbished and redistributed to those in need, but if they can’t be reused then CCW work with various partners to ensure ethical recycling or disposal. For more information and to arrange a drop-off (in Purley), email caspar@clearcommunityweb.co.uk.
LOCAL HISTORY
This view on 2nd October 1894 shows some of the people attending the fair at Brighton Road.
The man wearing a smock (left) is probably a Drover or Carter. The Purley Arms and the houses on the east side of Brighton Road are in the background.
By a charter of Edward II in 1314, Croydon was granted a three days fair from 2nd to 4th October, ‘The Vigil, the day and the morrow of St Matthew the Apostle’. During earlier times when it was held at the Fair Field (now where Fairfield Halls and other buildings stand) it was a cattle, sheep and horse fair and also and pleasure fair. The latter became so unruly and riotous that in 1868 it was closed by Act of Parliament and the cattle fair was continued at various other sites and finally at Brighton Road.
The first day was devoted to cattle and sheep, and the second to horses and ponies where it was attended mostly by the then ‘lower classes’; Gypsies, Carters, Drovers and Coopers.
The Drovers would arrive with their sheep before daylight, covered with rime on a frosty morning, and the booth keepers did a huge trade supplying them breakfast of boiled beef, liver and coffee.
Glossary
Rime - frost formed on cold objects by the rapid freezing of water vapour in cloud or fog.
Carters - those who carried or transported goods or people by horse and cart.
Drovers - those droving or driving livestock by foot or on horseback.
Coopers - skilled craftsmen who made wooden barrels, tubs, and other containers. They were essential to many industries, including brewing, shipping, and personal use.
Knocker-uppers - they knocked on windows to wake people for work and were most active during the Industrial Revolution in Britain and Ireland, from the late 19th century until the early 1970s.
Information Courtesy of Victorian Croydon Illustrated